San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory Recognized For National Board Leadership Award

New York, NY (July 18, 2012) – San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory is one of five finalists for the Prudential Leadership Awards for Exceptional Nonprofit Boards, given by BoardSource, an organization dedicated to building outstanding nonprofit boards. The finalists, selected from among nearly 50 applicants, represent the full range of the non-profit sector, including social services, education, the arts and the environment. A $25,000 grand-prize winner will be announced at the BoardSource Leadership Forum in Chicago on September 15, 2012.

Among the key criteria on which applicants were judged was their demonstration of lessons learned through the process of implementing organizational change. The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory was guided in that process by its participation in the League of American Orchestras’ three-year Institutional Vision program. Orchestra management, board, and artistic staff worked together with the League, peers, and mentors to create a strategic plan for broadening access to the symphony’s educational resources to all demographics in its community.

"To be honored by a national standard-setter such as BoardSource is a wonderful affirmation of the San Diego Youth Symphony’s commitment to creating positive change in its organization and in its community,” noted League President and CEO Jesse Rosen. “The League is delighted to have been able to support them in accomplishing this vital work."

As part of its BoardSource application, San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory prepared a video now posted on YouTube, which credits the League for its role in helping the orchestra broaden community access.

The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its diverse membership of approximately 850 orchestras across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned symphonies to community groups, from summer festivals to student and youth ensembles. The only national organization dedicated solely to the orchestral experience, the League is a nexus of knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership advancement for managers, musicians, volunteers, and boards. Its conferences and events, award-winning Symphony magazine, website, and other publications inform music lovers around the world about orchestral activity and developments. Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers and administrators, board members, volunteers, and business partners. Visit americanorchestras.org.